Escape to Paradise: Candlenut Treehouse, Manado, Indonesia
Escape to Paradise? More Like a Dive into Fantasia (Candlenut Treehouse Review, Manado) – Buckle Up, Buttercups!
Alright, folks, let's talk about the Candlenut Treehouse in Manado. I went there. I lived to tell the tale. And let me tell you, it wasn't all sunshine and coconuts. More like… a delightful, occasionally frustrating, intensely beautiful, and wildly memorable experience. This isn't your polished, perfect hotel review. This is me, raw and real, spilling the (deliciously strong) Indonesian coffee on what it was really like.
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- Keywords: Manado Hotels, North Sulawesi Resorts, Treehouse Hotel Indonesia, Candlenut Treehouse Review, Luxury Manado, Spa Resorts Manado, Accessible Hotels, Manado Scuba Diving, Indonesian Vacation, Eco-Friendly Hotels, Romantic Getaway Indonesia, Family-Friendly Manado, Best Hotels Manado
- Description: A brutally honest and detailed review of the Candlenut Treehouse in Manado, Indonesia. Covering everything from accessibility to the incredible (and sometimes infuriating) food, this review dives deep into the good, the bad, and the gloriously messy.
The Arrival (and the Immediate "Wait, What?")
So, you’ve seen the pictures. The lush greenery. The impossibly blue water. The promises of pure, unadulterated bliss. And, yes, the Candlenut Treehouse is stunning. The view from the open lobby, perched on the side of a hill, made my jaw drop. Like, physically ache from the force of the drop. The air is thick with the smells of the sea and something exotic I couldn't quite place (maybe frangipani? Seriously, I'm not a botanist!).
But… accessibility, my friends. This is where things get, shall we say, interesting. The hotel definitely tries to cater to folks with mobility challenges. ( Facilities for disabled guests are listed). They have an elevator (thank God, because those stairs!), but navigating the grounds is a whole other beast. It's hilly. Very hilly. And while there are ramps sprinkled around, some are steeper than my ambition to master a new language after a few too many Bintangs. You would really need to ask for assistance, a lot. So, if you're relying on a wheelchair or have significant mobility issues, phone ahead and ask about access. Seriously. (Accessibility: Questionable, but with effort, manageable).
The Room: My Little Jungle Nest (With Wi-Fi!)
My room, a "Deluxe Whatever," was… well, it was a treehouse. I mean, literally a treehouse, crafted with beautiful, natural wood. The Air conditioning, thank the travel gods, was a lifesaver. It was hot, I think the temperature was 29 degrees Celsius, The Air Conditioning was a must for anyone, not just me. The Internet access – wireless (Free Wi-Fi in all rooms!) was an absolute triumph, especially considering I had just spent a week in a remote village with dial-up speeds. I should say, the internet was intermittent, but it was available and did its job. The blackout curtains were a blessing come sunrise, allowing me to sleep in without the tropical sun blasting me awake. Having a complimentary tea and coffee/tea maker in the room was perfect for afternoon lounging. The bathroom was spacious, with a separate shower/bathtub and provided toiletries. But, the water pressure. Oh, the water pressure. Let's just say I have a newfound appreciation for a good, strong shower back home. (Available in all rooms: Excellent, but be prepared for a rustic charm).
The additional toilet was brilliant, and the bathrobes were soft and fluffy. (Room Decorations) were spot-on, creating a relaxing atmosphere and providing a place to rest.
Food, Glorious Food (and the Occasional Food-Induced Meltdown)
Let’s talk food. Dining, drinking, and snacking at the Candlenut Treehouse is an experience, to say the least. The restaurant offers an Asian cuisine in restaurant, International cuisine in restaurant, and Western cuisine in restaurant. Breakfast was a buffet bonanza: a breakfast [buffet] with every kind of pastry, fruit, and noodle you can imagine. The Asian breakfast option was fantastic, especially the Nasi Goreng (fried rice). The coffee was strong, the juice was fresh. Breakfast service was efficient with a smiling Indonesian staff.
Dinner? Well, that's where the adventure truly begins. The A la carte in restaurant menu is extensive. They offer everything from fresh-caught seafood to delicious desserts in restaurant. I had a fantastic tuna steak one night. The salad in the restaurant was perfect for a light meal. The soup in the restaurant was hearty and flavorful. (Alternative meal arrangement) was available, and I found the staff very accommodating of dietary restrictions.
And the service… ah, the service. Well-meaning, utterly charming, and sometimes agonizingly slow. I once waited an hour and a half for a pizza. An hour and a half. I started to question my life choices while watching the sun sink below the horizon. But you know what? I ordered a bottle of water from the poolside bar, sipped slowly, and actually started to enjoy the wait. The view was that good. The staff apologized profusely, and I ended up getting the pizza for free (score!). The Happy hour helped calm the nerves. It's the kind of place where you need to adopt the Indonesian concept of "jam karet" (rubber time) - things happen when they happen.
(Food and Dining: Delicious, with a side of patience and a healthy dose of acceptance).
Relaxation Station: Spa, Sauna, and Bliss (Mostly)
Okay, let’s dive into the good stuff: relaxation mode. The spa is pure indulgence. The Body scrub left me feeling like a newborn baby, and the body wrap… well, let's just say I very nearly fell asleep and snored while being swaddled in fragrant seaweed. The massage was heavenly, the pressure perfectly matching my need to completely unwind. The sauna and steamroom were well-maintained.
After my massage, I always finished the day with a dip in the swimming pool [outdoor] with a view, and it was amazing. The pool with a view was incredible, and the foot bath offered a relaxing way to spend the day, even if there were no views to be seen. The spa/sauna setup deserves all the stars in the sky.
However, I'll admit, the fitness center looked a little neglected. I peeked inside and decided to stick to my morning walks instead. (Ways to relax: Exquisite, but set your expectations for the gym).
Things to Do (Beyond Lounging in a Robe)
Manado is all about the underwater world. The hotel can arrange airport transfer, taxi service, and car park [on-site]. The hotel offers concierge service to help you with that, babysitting service if you have kids, and there are kids facilities There is also a gift/souvenir shop.
(Things to do: Swimming in the sea, going to the spa. That's it.)
Cleanliness and Safety (The Pre-Pandemic Vibe)
This is where the review gets a little… dated. I visited pre-pandemic, but I can tell you, during my stay, the place was clean. Very clean. The staff seemed genuinely concerned about guest safety, they cleaned the rooms well, and the daily housekeeping service always did a fantastic job. Plenty of hand sanitizer at the entrance. I've read recent reviews that the hotel has increased its hygiene practices, but this information will need to be verified. (Cleanliness and safety: Good, but confirm current protocols).
Overall Vibe: Worth the Trek?
Look, the Candlenut Treehouse isn't perfect. It's not seamless. It's not always easy. But it's magical. It's the kind of place where you can truly disconnect, breathe in the fresh air, and reconnect with yourself. The staff are friendly, the food is generally delicious, and the setting is breathtaking. And, to be entirely honest, I think most of the imperfections just add to the charm.
Would I go back? Absolutely. Just next time, I'm bringing a portable fan, a sense of humor, and a whole lot of patience. And maybe a small, inflatable raft so I can float away if that pizza takes too long again.
Final Verdict: A solid 4 out of 5 stars. Highly recommended for those seeking a unique and memorable experience, especially if you're looking for a place to escape the crowds and immerse yourself in natural beauty. Just be prepared for a few bumps in the road – and embrace the adventure!
Fairbanks' BEST Hotel? Westmark's Secret Revealed!
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because we're about to embark on a chaotic, beautiful, and probably mosquito-ridden adventure to the Candlenut Treehouse in Manado, Indonesia. Forget your perfectly curated Instagram feeds; this is the real deal. Prepare for things to go sideways, for me to get hangry, and for you to feel like you're right there with me, swatting at bugs and cursing the humidity. Here we go!
Candlenut Chaos: A Manado Mishmash (with more than a few meltdowns…hopefully of the good kind)
Day 1: Arrival & Almost-Immediate Regret (Kidding! Mostly…)
- 06:00 AM: Wake up, bleary-eyed, to the unholy shriek of my alarm. Ugh. Airports. The bane of my existence, only second to…well, we'll get there.
- 07:00 AM: Managed to shove down a lukewarm instant coffee (that tasted suspiciously like sadness) and wrestle my suitcase into submission. Pretty sure I overpacked. Like, really overpacked. But hey, what if I need a ball gown for…waves vaguely at the Indonesian jungle?
- 10:00 AM: Touchdown at Sam Ratulangi International Airport in Manado! The blast of humidity hits you like a wet, warm slap in the face. Instantly sweat-drenched. Immediately question life choices.
- 10:30 AM: Find the pre-booked airport transfer. The driver is beaming, which is slightly unsettling. He’s also blasting some local pop music that sounds…well, let's just say it's an acquired taste. (Currently unacquired.)
- 12:00 PM: The journey to Candlenut Treehouse begins! The roads are…interesting. Let's call them "character-building." The scenery, however, is spectacular. Lush green mountains, vibrant rice paddies, and the smell of the jungle is intoxicating. I get a serious "Eat, Pray, Love" vibe, which is quickly replaced by "Eat, Maybe Pray, Definitely Swear at These Bumpy Roads."
- 02:00 PM: ARRIVAL! Finally. Candlenut Treehouse. And…WOW. Okay, seriously, this place is magical. Treehouses! Seriously? But, like, fancy treehouses. I'm pretty sure I gasped. The staff is ridiculously friendly, offering up a welcome drink that tastes like heaven.
- 03:00 PM: Tentatively explore my treehouse. It's…more rustic than the pictures suggest. The mosquito net looks like a fragile white cloud. Note to self: Stock up on bug spray. A lot of it. My internal monologue: "This is amazing! Absolutely gorgeous! Oh god, what's that scuttling along the wall?"
- 04:00 PM: Nap. Needed. The jet lag is hitting me like a freight train. Plus, all that humidity…
- 06:00 PM: Dinner at the treehouse restaurant. The food is incredible! Fresh seafood, local spices, the works. The only downside? The relentless buzzing of mosquitos. My inner dialogue: “Worth it." “NO. Wait. YES. NO! Okay, maybe a little more bug spray…”
- 08:00 PM: Attempt to appreciate the starlit sky. Get eaten alive by mosquitos. Retreat indoors. Curse mosquitos. Swear I'll bring industrial-strength repellent tomorrow.
Day 2: Lembeh Strait & The Wonders (or Horrors) of Diving
- 07:00 AM: Awake to the sound of…birds? Beautiful. Then the sun. Also beautiful. Then… the memory of the mosquito massacre last night. Rage.
- 08:00 AM: Breakfast. More delicious food. Thank God. Coffee is strong. Need it to survive the day.
- 09:00 AM: Head to Lembeh Strait for diving! (Or, in my case, potentially drowning…just kidding! Mostly.)
- 10:00 AM: The boat ride is incredible. Crystal-clear water, dramatic scenery. I try not to think about the giant sea creatures lurking beneath.
- 11:00 AM: First dive! The instructor is patient and reassuring. I'm terrified. Breathe in, breathe out, don't panic. See some really cool fish. My mask leaks. I swallow some seawater. Decide I like it.
- 12:00 PM: Lunch on the boat. Savor the moment before the next dive. Regret not having seasickness pills. Try not to vomit in front of everyone.
- 01:00 PM: Second dive! This one is even better. (I'm getting the hang of this…ish.) See a seahorse! It’s tiny and adorable. The pressure in my ears is excruciating. Maybe this diving thing isn’t for me.
- 02:00 PM: Surface. Happy to be alive. Exhausted.
- 03:00 PM: Relax on the beach. Let the sun bake the salt off my skin. Try not to think about the creatures in the water.
- 05:00 PM: Back to the treehouse. Shower (a glorious, hot shower!). Collapse.
- 07:00 PM: Dinner. More deliciousness.
- 08:00 PM: Stargazing (again!). More mosquito attacks (inevitable). This time I'm prepared.
- 09:00 PM: Fall asleep utterly content.
Day 3: Waterfall Adventure & Unexpected Emotions
- 08:00 AM: Wake up feeling slightly less mosquito-bitten. Success!
- 09:00 AM: Breakfast. Fueling up for a hike to a waterfall!
- 10:00 AM: The hike is…well, it's a hike. Steep, muddy, and ridiculously beautiful. The jungle is alive with sound. Monkeys chatter in the trees. I sweat. A lot.
- 11:00 AM: We arrive at the waterfall! It's breathtaking. Crystal-clear water cascading down the rocks. Take photos, because it's required by law.
- 11:30 AM: Swim in the waterfall! The water is freezing. But also invigorating. I feel alive. I feel free. I feel…a weird wave of emotion. Okay, I might have started crying a little. It's just…so beautiful. All the chaos, all the bugs, all the sweat…it's worth it. This is what life is all about, right? Isn't it?
- 01:00 PM: Lunch at a local warung (small restaurant). Authentic Indonesian food! Spicy! Delicious! My mouth is on fire. But in a good way.
- 02:00 PM: Head back towards the treehouse.
- 04:00 PM: Explore the resort-ish area! I am enjoying the view, take a walk to the beach to enjoy the sunset.
- 06:00 PM: Dinner at the treehouse restaurant. I tell the staff about my waterfall experience in a very excited, slightly hysterical manner. They smile and nod. They've probably seen it all before.
- 08:00 PM: More stargazing, fewer mosquitoes (thank goodness!). Reflect on the day. Realize I'm actually sad that this adventure is starting to come to an end.
Day 4: Monkey Business & Saying Goodbye (with a heavy heart)
- 07:30 AM: Wake up. Not ready to leave.
- 08:00 AM: Breakfast. Trying to savor every last bite.
- 09:00 AM: Visit a local monkey sanctuary! Okay, this is even more wild than it sounds. Monkeys everywhere! They're adorable. They're also a little mischievous. One tries to steal my sunglasses. Rude.
- 10:00 AM: We feed the monkeys with bananas.
- 11:00 AM: Packing. Ugh. Such a buzzkill.
- 12:00 PM: One last lunch at the treehouse restaurant.
- 01:00 PM: Say my farewells to the staff. They're genuinely lovely. I want to stay here forever.
- 02:00 PM: The drive back to the airport. The scenery, now, feels different. It feels…familiar.
- 04:00 PM: Airport. Security. All the usual airport horrors.
- 06:00 PM: Fly off.
- Post-Trip Thoughts: Home. Exhausted. Sunburned. Bug-bitten. But also…filled. Manado, you chaotic, beautiful beast. I'll be back. (And I'm bringing industrial-strength bug spray next time.)
Escape to Paradise: Candlenut Treehouse, Manado - FAQ...or Maybe Just a Random Brain Dump?
Okay, so you're thinking about the Candlenut Treehouse in Manado, huh? Let's be real, the photos online are *stunning*. But does the reality live up to the Insta-hype? Buckle up, buttercup, because this ain't your average FAQ. It's more like...my unedited thoughts after a week in tree-topia.
1. Is it REALLY worth it? The trek from the airport looks...intense.
Ugh, the airport. God, I loathe airports. Okay, the drive. Yes, it's involved. Buckle up for about an hour and a half, possibly longer if traffic decides to be a jerk. And let’s be honest, Indonesian drivers...well, let's just say they have a *different* approach to lane keeping. But here's the thing: that drive? It's part of the experience. You're shedding the city grime, the wifi-induced stress, the general *blah* of life. The scenery is gorgeous, the air gets cleaner, and by the time you're bouncing along the dirt track to the treehouse, you're already half-zen. My driver, bless his soul, kept trying to point out monkeys. I think I saw a blur. Maybe. Ultimately, yeah, it's worth it. But pack Dramamine, just in case. I didn't, and let's just say the coconut water tasted a little *too* interesting that first afternoon.
2. The treehouse itself...is it actually like that? All those photos are so *perfect*.
Okay, this is where things get...complicated. The treehouse *is* beautiful. Seriously, the view alone is worth the price of admission. Waking up to that turquoise water? Seriously, Instagram doesn't even *begin* to capture it. Remember those stupid, perfectly curated sunrise photos? They're real life, baby! But. Let's talk about the "but." It's not *pristine*. Nature, as it turns out, does its own thing. Expect a few ants. Maybe a gecko or two. (The geckos, actually, are kinda cute.) The wood creaks. The stairs feel a little…rustic. My shower situation (basically a bucket of water hung in the open air) was an adventure, not going to lie! I got a decent head cold after the first one. I mean, the water's probably fine, but I was not. But you know what? That’s part of the charm. It makes you feel like you're *actually* escaping. Like, really. Not Netflix-and-pretending-to-be-on-vacation escaping. So yeah, imperfect, yes, but in a glorious, "this is life, baby!" kind of way.
3. What about the food? I'm a picky eater. Can I survive on toast?
Okay, food. Okay, this is a biggie. The food is… well, it’s *there*. And mostly really good! The breakfast spread is fantastic, especially the fresh fruit. The staff try their best, and they are lovely. But the options are limited. If you're a hardcore picky eater, pack some instant noodles, maybe. I think you can request toast. The meals prepared usually involve local ingredients, which means lots of spice and flavors you might not be used to. I found myself eating rice with everything. The fresh pineapple was, however, a godsend. I ate so much it was probably unhealthy. But worth it. The coffee - forget it. Stick to the tea. And learn to love the rice. And maybe bring a tiny bottle of your favorite hot sauce. Just in case. My first night, I actually cried a little because I didn't know what things were, and I couldn't point at the things I liked. I went from feeling like I'd won the lottery to a toddler in a strange land. It happens.
4. What's there to DO besides stare at the ocean (which, let's be honest, is a large part of the appeal)?
Staring at the ocean is a legitimate activity, first and foremost. Embrace it. But if you need more...well, there's snorkelling, which is *amazing*. The coral reefs? Unreal. Bright pops of color, fish doing their fishy thing. I saw Nemo! (Okay, a clownfish, but still.) I got a bit seasick, though, which was not fun. They can arrange boat trips to other islands. The staff is super helpful with that sort of thing. There's also kayaking, swimming (duh), and I got talked into a massage. (Highly recommend. The masseuse probably had super-human strength. My shoulders are still singing a happy tune.) You can hike a bit, explore the local village. The beach itself isn’t exactly what you’d call a pristine white sand paradise – it’s more volcanic grey, and has some interesting debris. But again, it's real life. You can't do "nothing" and be bored. I mean, I tried. I failed. I ended up staring at the sun for an hour one morning, just...thinking. That's the point, I think.
5. Okay, so let’s talk about the staff. Are they friendly? Do they speak English?
The staff are angels. Seriously. So genuinely friendly, always smiling, and trying their best to help. They are the heart and soul of the place. Their English is…variable. Some are fluent, others are learning. It's a great opportunity to practice your Indonesian (if you speak any, which I don’t) or resort to a combination of broken English, hand gestures, and the universal language of smiles. You will laugh…a lot. They are patient, kind, and they make you feel welcome. They went above and beyond to make me feel comfortable. One of them, bless his heart, even tried to teach me some basic Indonesian phrases. I butchered it completely, but he didn't laugh. (To my face, anyway!) They really want you to have a good time. Tip them well, you won’t regret it. And for heaven’s sake, learn a few basic greetings!
6. Is it romantic? Because my significant other and I are thinking…
Define "romantic." Is it romantic to wake up next to someone with a view that could melt your face off? Yes. Is it romantic to share a sunset cocktail on your private balcony? Absolutely. Is it romantic to be completely disconnected from the world and focus on each other? Hell yes. Is it romantic when a lizard pops off the roof and scares the bejesus out of you both, and you end up giggling hysterically? Okay, maybe not *classic* romance, but definitely memorable. Look, it's a beautiful, secluded place. It's conducive to connection. Just be prepared for a little adventure, a few bugs, and a whole lot of breathtaking beauty.Coastal Inns
